Cervantes urges state action to support SNAP recipients amidst federal shutdown

• SNAP
• Federal Shutdown

CHICAGO – Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families, leading State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes to urge federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of SNAP benefits come Nov. 1.

“I am deeply concerned for how the loss of SNAP benefits will impact families and children in my community,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “It is appalling that millions are at risk of going hungry due to partisan disagreements on the federal level.”

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including the 38,912 people in the district Cervantes represents who rely on SNAP benefits.

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Cervantes speaks out against ICE’s recklessness for public safety

• Immigration
• ICE
• Berwyn

BERWYN – After video surfaced on social media of an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agent threatening a pregnant woman and her child with a gun, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“I am absolutely horrified to see the video shared of reckless behavior of ICE agents in my community. It is a miracle that no one in this family was injured by ICE’s rash behavior, as only a flex of their finger on the trigger could have turned the encounter into a deadly tragedy. Their actions are deplorable and deeply concerning for the safety of my constituents.

“I am reiterating once again that we, in Illinois, do not want or need ICE agents or the National Guard. As this instance and the recent disruptive operations in Little Village and Cicero prove, their presence only create chaos and unnecessary fear. Thank you to everyone in our neighborhoods helping each other out during these stressful times. Know that I am with you and will not stop fighting for the immigrant community and Latinos in our community.”

Cervantes emphasizes support for immigrant families following recent ICE activity in 1st Senate District

• Immigration
• ICE

BERWYN – After several community members were arrested by ICE agents in Chicago, Cicero, and Berwyn, while others were threatened with weapons, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“I am horrified at the excessive use of force displayed by ICE agents in my community this week and over the past month. Every day, community advocates share stories of mothers taken away from their children, protestors pepper sprayed, and other reckless treatments from federal agents. This week, images were released of an agent pointing an assault weapon at an unarmed civilian. These actions demonstrate a gross disregard for the safety of our residents. This is not normal, and is deeply alarming.

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Over $670 million coming to Senate 1st District thanks to Cervantes support

• Rebuild Illinois
• Investment

CHICAGO – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes secured over $670 million to build and repair infrastructure in the 1^st Senate District.

“It’s important to invest in our roads and highways to improve our residents’ quality of life and ensure their safety,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “That’s why I am thrilled to announce several infrastructure projects coming to my district next year. With these improvements, our residents will not only have a better experience commuting, but we will see more jobs come to the community.” 

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. IDOT’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

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